How do you keep focus when writing a short story or novel?

Sometimes I have to force myself to start. But once I do, writing it becomes pretty simple. Having said that though, if you really don't feel in the mood to write, don't.

On those days when the last thing you want to do is write, just take a load off. Because you force yourself too hard, you won't think about what you're writing, and whatever you write is going to be baaad. Trust me.

Been there, done that. You shoot yourself in the foot when you have to edit out all your screw-ups.

I shut down my computer when I do not see the easy flow of words. Then I meditate. During mediation I do not think about my work in progress but suddenly I feel like having revelation.

I begin to see what is happening in my story or novel.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.